A step-by-step guide to becoming a Surrogate
Becoming a Surrogate is a significant decision, and we’re so grateful you’re considering us to guide you throughout this process. Working with an agency who supports you every step of the way helps to ensure you have the most successful and rewarding journey possible. When matching Surrogates and Intended Parents, your MEA Team will strive to find your best match. We understand and appreciate the vital role you play in helping to make the dream of creating a family come true. Your selflessness and commitment can never be matched or repaid.
Below you'll find an overview of the surrogacy process for surrogates, as well as a timeline to help you better understand what to expect from the moment you fill out your application until birth and beyond.
The Surrogacy Process
1. Apply To Become a Surrogate
Is this your calling?
The application process starts with a qualification questionnaire to ensure that you meet all the standard requirements to become a Surrogate with Modernly Ever After. Some of these questions will include topics like your citizenship status, lifestyle, health and pregnancy history.
Once your application is completed and you meet all requirements we will schedule the initial consultation to learn more about your background, medical history, motivations for becoming a Surrogate and expectations.
2. Initial Consultation
Together we will figure out if this is the right journey for you.
Once your application is approved, you will schedule and complete an initial consultation. This helps us get to know you better and gather a more personal understanding of who you are, and your motivation for going through the surrogacy process. Together, we'll gather records about your medical history, past pregnancies and deliveries.
You will also have an opportunity to ask us questions, share your values and expectations for the process. We want to make sure we go into the matching process with transparency and understanding for all parties involved. This also will let the MEA Team know how we can best support you and your entire family during your pregnancy.
Once the initial consultation is finished, you and your partner (if applicable) will undergo a background check and medical record screening.
3. Screening
All clear to move forward?
The screening process includes a background check, a review of your medical records and current insurance plan.
Please consider contacting your Physician and OB/GYN beforehand to request medical records, and your insurance provider for a copy of your medical coverage. Together we will review your insurance benefits to see if the Intended Parents need to purchase you a separate insurance plan.
4. Match With
Intended Parents
The perfect match!
After you complete the application, initial consultation, and screening process, we begin the process of finding your perfect match. We share your profile with Intended Parents who we believe will be a suitable match. Matching is based on shared values, lifestyle, and expectations. If you’re a good fit for each other we will facilitate a virtual introduction, this will allow you and the prospective parents an opportunity to get to know each other.
Once you’re matched successfully with your Intended Parents, you will move on to the second phase of screening.
5. Medical + Psychological Screening
Have a secure journey!
If the match is successful you will undergo a psychological evaluation by a licensed professional. Then the IVF Clinic that the Intended Parents have selected will conduct a medical screening.
This may include a physical, pap smear, vaginal ultrasound, as well as other tests. The evaluations will help determine the protocols to best prepare your uterus for implantation.
6. Legal Process
We want to ensure a secure journey!
Once you have been psychologically and medically cleared the legal process will begin. We will appoint legal counsel for you. With the help of the MEA Team, you and your representation will work with the Intended Parents and their attorney to officially outline the terms of the surrogate contract. This includes details such as compensation, health insurance, IVF process, birth plan, and more.
Once contracts are signed, the Intended Parents will place all the money needed for your surrogacy journey in an escrow account. The escrow account will also have a copy of your contract on file, this will provide you with peace-of-mind knowing that the full financial resources of your journey are safe and secure.
7. Cycle Preparation
+ Medication
Let the prep work begin!
Once the legal process is taken care of, it is time to start prepping for your IVF cycle. You will receive your personalized IVF cycle schedule/calendar from the fertility clinic. The schedule will include information about when you need to take your medication and any future monitoring appointments.
You may be given birth control and medications to prepare your uterus for embryo transfer. The medication you may take will include estrogen and progesterone via pill, patch, or injection. You will also be informed of any lifestyle changes and (or) limitations you will have to make to ensure a successful surrogate pregnancy.
You will continue with monitoring appointments at a clinic close to you. These appointments can consist of bloodwork and ultrasounds to ensure your body is responding properly to the fertility medication. Once you finish your IVF cycle, it is time for Transfer Day!
8. Transfer Day +
Establish Pregnancy
Its Transfer Day!
For the embryo transfer, you will travel to your Intended Parents IVF Clinic. The embryos will be transferred into your uterus and you will remain on bed rest for approximately 24 to 72 hours and continue medication. The transfer process will include the embryo being fed through the catheter and into the uterus, hopefully implanting properly and leading to a successful pregnancy.
After transfer day, blood work will be conducted at week 2 to confirm pregnancy and at week 4 an ultrasound will take place to confirm heartbeat. After the second confirmation of the fetal heartbeat, you will begin to receive monthly compensation until birth.
9. Carry + Delivery
Modernly Ever After!
You will continue getting blood work and ultrasounds and as your pregnancy continues, your IVF Clinic will determine when is the right time for your OB/GYN to continue care and begin routine appointments. Throughout your pregnancy the MEA Team will be here to support you through the process. We want to make sure you can have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
When you approach the half way mark of your pregnancy, we will work with you and your Intended Parents to create a Birth Plan. This is an exciting milestone! We want to ensure everyone is ready. Together we will create common expectations for the delivery of the baby. The legal process will continue to ensure the parents have established court ordered parental rights.
Baby is on the way!
Once it is time for delivery, you and the Intended Parents will have a copy of your contract along with any additional documentation to provide to the hospital to ensure a smooth transition of baby going home with the Intended Parents.
Baby will now go home with the Intended Parents!
